RIYADH: Many people want to turn their dreams into reality — and animation director Mahmoud Zaini is doing just that, depicting his imaginary world inspired by childhood movies and an appreciation of Saudi culture. .
As a child, his appreciation of cartoons and comics was nurtured by newspapers, Japanese anime series, and movies such as “Finding Nemo,” “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.”
“Every Saudi newspaper had a comic on the last page that had some sort of social message,” he said in an interview with Arab News. “These comics grew into the popular Saudi anime series 'Masameer' in 2011.
“As Saudis, we grew up watching foreign cartoons dubbed Arab. These shows are mostly Japanese with moral messages and cultural themes. Animation must be localized to tell the story of the younger generation that inspires them to become better human beings with a unique Saudi identity.”
Zaini will also watch behind-the-scenes videos from Pixar films, learning as much as he can about the art of animation. At the age of 10, he designed his own shorts.
“When I was little, I always dreamed of making my own story come to life,” he said.
Zaini believes that the great thing about animation is that it is universal and can reach both adults and children.
“It can also connect with cultures and people from all over the world because of its unique nature. This is the tool that children love because it excites their minds and expands their imaginations,” he said.
After receiving a bachelor's degree in art and animation from the California College of Arts in San Francisco, USA, Zaini began his career in the State in 2017, creating commercials. In 2018, he founded Zaini Studios, which grew due to investment and hard work.
Between 2021 and now, Zaini Studios has created two entries to the Red Sea Film Festival and two Saudi Film Festivals, featuring local and international talent. .
“An important moment in my career as an animation director was when I worked at the Red Sea Film Festival in 2021,” he told Arab News. “I had to – with the help of Faris Godus and Sohayb Godus – pitch the idea of a high-quality action promo to the Red Sea Film Festival.”
Once the idea was accepted, Zaini contacted artists from around the region to work on the project, including Raghad Baidas, Husam Hamed, Riyad Al-Dossari, Yousef Albagshi, and Ahmad Shawli for the music. .
“These artists are the best in their respective fields, and with their dedication, we released this festival intro in three months. The intro must convey a sense of connection to artistic inspiration and following your passion,” he said.
Zaini's work reflects his experiences growing up in the Kingdom and he prides himself on creating animations that celebrate Saudi culture, heritage and lifestyle.
“I like to reflect all these authentic Saudi details in my stories and in the world I set the characters in,” he says. “I don't like to see Saudi artists creating characters in foreign worlds copied from popular Japanese or American anime.”
He added that art must represent something real to make it unique, which can only happen without your own stories and memories.
“It doesn't (mean) that you always include Saudi symbols like palm trees in your work, but you have to always build what suits you and express your own experience without copying what suits others,” he told the Arab News.
“I like my stories to express something real within me. My upbringing was very happy and good. With my uncles, aunts and cousins with whom I shared many wonderful stories.”
Zaini advises animators to cultivate a genuine love for the craft and “the sense of excitement inside you as you wait for the final product.”
He said, “As long as this flame is kept burning with constant practice and dedication to improvement, it will eventually bring good results.”
He added that it is important for animators to have a story they want to tell and emphasized the importance of new ideas and stories.
“Animation is not only about moving lines and shapes, but about imitating life, giving characters and creating new worlds. As an aspiring animator, you must love life. you and are very thirsty to cultivate your artistic skills.”
